The U.S. used thousands of depleted uranium rounds in two 2015 air raids in Syria, Central Command confirmed on Tuesday.
The controversial munition had not been used by the U.S. since the
occupation of Iraq where it has continued to illicit claims of lingering
health effects, particularly in Fallujah where U.S. forces fought
intense close-quarters battles with insurgents.
The Syria air raids, carried out in mid and late November 2015,
targeted oil convoys in ISIL-held territory near al-Hassakah, and Deir
Ez-Zour. Four A-10 warthog fixed-wing aircraft were used, ultimately
resulting in the destruction of over 330 vehicles.

“The combination of Armored Piercing Incendiary (DU) rounds mixed
with High Explosive Incendiary rounds was used to ensure a higher
probability of destruction of the truck fleet ISIL was using to
transport its illicit oil,” spokesman Maj. Josh T. Jacques said in a
statement.
In all, the A-10s fired 5,265 30-millimeter depleted uranium rounds,
Jacques said, nothing that the “decision was made to use the rounds.”
“Targets and the weapons used against those targets are chosen to
ensure they adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict principles of military
necessity, distinction and proportionality. The decision is made during
operational planning for best weapon against each target,” he said.
The comments are the first confirmation that the U.S.-led coalition
used depleted uranium to attack ISIL targets in the ongoing campaign.
Earlier statements maintained that the coalition would not do so.
Depleted uranium rounds are not explicitly illegal under
international law, but concerns have mounted about the long-term health
effects that may result in areas where they are used.